People and Culture Generalist

About Us

The Portland State University (PSU) Foundation fuels the mission and priorities of Oregon’s most diverse, innovative, and affordable research university by raising and stewarding philanthropic gifts that transform lives and communities.

At PSU, more than half of incoming first-year students identify as BIPOC, nearly a quarter are parents, and half are the first in their families to attend college. When PSU graduates thrive, families transform, communities prosper, and innovation expands. The PSU Foundation plays a vital role in advancing this impact by inspiring donors, engaging alumni and community partners, and stewarding resources with integrity and purpose.

Recognized as one of Oregon’s best non‑profits to work for five years in a row, PSU Foundation is a community of purpose‑driven professionals who lead with heart, act with trust, and keep our mission forward in everything we do. Guided by creativity and collaboration, we foster a strong sense of belonging—empowering every team member to bring bold ideas and their authentic selves to work.

The People and Culture Generalist is a pivotal member of the Foundation, delivering an exceptional employee experience across the full employee lifecycle. Reporting to the Vice President of People and Culture, this role operates with autonomy, overseeing daily HR operations, administering People and Culture programs, and serving as a trusted partner to employees, supervisors, and senior leaders across the organization.

The Generalist manages core HR processes—including on‑boarding, off‑boarding, HRIS administration, benefits, leaves, compliance, and employment changes—while also supporting full‑cycle recruiting, compensation, performance management, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives.

You’ll be most fulfilled in this role if you enjoy or have experience in the following:

• Operating with a high degree of independence and accountability, using sound judgment to make informed decisions, while knowing when to seek input or alignment
• Anticipating needs and potential issues and offering proactive solutions
• Taking ownership by identifying challenges and implementing improvements, both independently and in collaboration with others
• Staying grounded, adaptable, and effective in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities
• Balancing speed, accuracy, and compliance, and thoughtfully navigating when to act quickly versus when to pause for alignment or risk review
• Building strong, trust‑based relationships and contributing to a supportive, inclusive workplace
• Being drawn to making a meaningful impact in a fast‑paced, evolving, mission‑driven environment

This role involves balancing the day‑to‑day execution of HR operations with broader, people‑centered work that helps shape culture and employee experience.

• Lead day‑to‑day People and Culture operations, serving as the primary point of contact for employees, supervisors, and senior leaders.
• Manage the HR inbox and respond to employee inquiries with accuracy, discretion, and timeliness.
• Oversee on‑boarding and off‑boarding processes, partnering with cross‑functional teams to ensure compliance and a positive employee experience.
• Administer HR systems (HRIS), ensuring accurate employee data, timely processing of employment changes, and optimized system functionality.
• Manage benefits administration, including enrollment, qualifying events, open enrollment, reporting, and vendor relationships.
• Independently interpret and administer federal, state, and local employment laws; assess risk and ensure compliance (e.g., FMLA, ADA, EEO, OSHA).
• Administer leaves of absence and employee health and safety processes, including workers’ compensation, unemployment claims, safety training, and Safety Council participation.
• Partner with Payroll by providing timely, accurate employee and employment data.
• Complete required organizational, state, and federal reports and surveys.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies, processes, and practices by proactively identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities.
• Stay current on HR best…